By lowering cholesterol, drug reduces stroke events.
By analyzing 28 studies involving use of HMGcoA reductase inhibitors or other anti-lipidemic agents in more than 100,000 patients, researchers have concluded that those patients given the HMGcoA inhibitors were 0.76 times as likely to develop strokes as those in the control groups. The stroke rate in patients given fibrates, resins or dietary intervention did not significantly differ from the control groups. Patients given the reductase inhibitors were also less likely to die of coronary heart disease or from other causes. Their analysis of these studies, said the authors, indicates that elevated cholesterol levels are a risk factor for stroke and may have a causal role in stroke formation.
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.